April 20th, 2006
In my experience United States friends and neighbors in the North, the Canadians, are more progressive when it comes to thinking about issues such as the environment and or renewable/alternative energy. So based on this assumption I considered the linked report more carefully. Overall, I was somewhat surprised to find that the report
does not predict any major shift from the present status.
canada's Energy Future: (Report)
Scenarios for Supply and Demand to 2025
This report sets itself apart from previous versions by using a scenario approach to address forces, uncertainties and key issues affecting energy supply and demand in Canada.
Canada's Energy Future
Here's some key points as paraphrased out of the report:
- Most of Canada's energy needs will be fulfilled with fossil fuels until 2025 and probably after.
- Canada and US energy economies are closely tied so any shift in energy supply/demand patterns would imply a bi-national shift.
- The three main factors driving energy demand are economic growth, income, and efficiency.
- Canada has a 90 year reserve of coal @ present consumption levels.
- Canada has vast untapped oil reserves.
This report is three years old and one assumption made in the report was that oil prices would remain at 2003 inflation adjusted prices… well over the last three years the price of oil has nearly doubled. (today reported at $72 USD a barrel) This means that while the points in the report are still valid, assuming a positive cost/benefit, the market out of financial interest might just push alternatives to some extent faster …